Buffalo NY is not cold, it just snows alot.The owner's manual does not specify conventional or synthetic oil for the engine. Either works fine in non-extreme cold weather conditions, conventional is less expensive and does an excellent job at protecting our engines. The only time that synthetic becomes worth its extra cost is if you're in extremely cold like sub-zero winter conditions like in in Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Buffalo NY, etc.
Jerry recommended a Nappa oil if you have a rear main seal leak. Which one was it Jerry?Here in SOCAL I use a conventional Valvoline 10W-30 year-round. But if Valvoline were to disappear tomorrow, I'd happily run any major brand of engine oil... they're all superb now.
If I lived where it got really cold, I'd switch to a 5W-30 synthetic for the winter but go back to conventional 10W-30 once it started warming up. I've never been a fan of Mobil-1 after reading lots of reports of increased iron levels in oil test samples with that oil from Blackstone Lab's oil analyses.
Speaking of oil filters. I’ve always used MOPAR filters. Opinions?Some manufacturers recommend, but do not require synthetic. Dino oil is, as Jerry has said, plenty sufficient for proper lubrication. If you live on the North Slope, Iceland, or the U.P. in Michigan there are times when synthetic makes sense.
Save the money for something else, like a really good oil filter. Or halo's for your headlights.
Please for the sake of the the Forum and international relations don't tell @Fishtaco !Show and Tell, I used 20w-50 and this is what happened @ 1700mi in. Motor had 180910mi.
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NAPA 10W-30 High Mileage conventional. It's made for NAPA by Valvoline.Jerry recommended a Nappa oil if you have a rear main seal leak. Which one was it Jerry?
X2, though I use the better Tough Guard oil filter from Fram. It has the better silicone check valve and a better filter that is 99% efficient which is better than most oil filters even many far more expensive models. The standard Extra Guard from Fram has a 95% filtration efficiency which is pretty common among even more expensive filters.castrol 10w 30 and a cheap fram filter. several vehicles over the years with lots of miles on them and never an engine failure. ford, chevy, dodge, nissan and datsun. 5k oil & filter always. take care of your vehicles and they’ll take care of you.
way back in the day there was only one fram filter around these parts.X2, though I use the better Tough Guard oil filter from Fram. It has the better silicone check valve and a better filter that is 99% efficient which is better than most oil filters even many far more expensive models. The standard Extra Guard from Fram has a 95% filtration efficiency which is pretty common among even more expensive filters.
Speaking of oil filters. I’ve always used MOPAR filters. Opinions?
Running 20W-60 Penrite high mileage mineral at the moment and its winter here, no leak down runs puuurfect! You guys are so set in your ways and blinded with oil viscosities lol, older worn engines require more than manufactures recommended! Its a bit like 02 sensors, we cant get NTK/NGK unless we import them but many Aussie jeeps are running Bosh or similar with no problems at all! Too many of you have been "Jerryfied" lol, If he had his way everyone would only have a 2004 Auto TJ "According to Google" Careful who you praise because not all non mechanics are mechanical messiahs Just because of personal experience! Me I tend to trust mechanical advise when it counts.Please for the sake of the the Forum and international relations don't tell @Fishtaco !
You engine was fucked already else you would be using 10w-30 not 20w-50!, 200thou miles is worn engine and could have been abused buy yourself and others thinking this motor is bullet proof, add another 1500 miles and its more toast to a worn engine regardless your maintenance.Show and Tell, I used 20w-50 and this is what happened @ 1700mi in. Motor had 180910mi.
check out my Holy-Moly Post
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I used full synth Mobil 1 after break-in period I'm the original owner . Doing changes every 5000-7500mi. Jeep manual recommends every 7500mi. No racing or towing with a 2.5l The 20w-50 was my last oil change I switched oil vis, to quiet engine noises. Got 1700 mi in and blewey. It got quiet very quiet.You engine was fucked already else you would be using 10w-30 not 20w-50!, 200thou miles is worn engine and could have been abused buy yourself and others thinking this motor is bullet proof, add another 1500 miles and its more toast to a worn engine regardless your maintenance.